She is also renowned for her warmth and spontaneity in public and is occasionally seen mingling with crowds on shopping trips.

In an interview with the BBC at the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Queen Margrethe, who perfected her English while studying at Cambridge University, spoke of her achievements as a contemporary figurehead.

'Question of size'

"If people think what I have done is a modernisation and they think modernisation is a good thing, then I certainly do not disagree," she said.

Known affectionately by her public as Daisy, she also gave her reasons why she believes the Danish monarchy is more popular than the British.

"I do have a patent answer, which is this question of size," she said.

"I think it's a very important factor because it is much easier to get around the country and to reach a large proportion of people if there aren't all that many of them.

"We're a smaller family too, which in a way, should make it more difficult - but again we're quite close."